Join late on your first day!

Congratulations – you’re hired! 🎈🥳

Get ready to meet a new team of co-workers, explore a re-routed commute and get up-to-speed with all the policies, culture and documentation of your new workplace.

Oh wait…

I don’t want to be ungrateful for the opportunity, but that sounds kind of exhausting. In fact, I’m starting to feel a bit anxious about it all.

I’ve never commuted to that part of town. What’s the station like? How is the parking?

What if people don’t like me? What if they think I’m an impostor?

Will they be open to discussing mental health? Will I find it overwhelming? Am I going to be okay?

Starting a new job can be pretty nerve-wracking

It can be even more stressful if you have PTSD, and especially if you’ve had to spend time out of work to manage your own condition.

Here’s a quick win that can really help

On my first day at one job, my line manager, who was also an Agile coach and a keen advocate of psychological safety, told me not to arrive until 10:30. The standard starting time for employees was 09:00 but he wanted me to take my time on my first day.

He said not to worry, don’t stress about being early. We can get you onboarded once you arrive.

What a game-changer

It was such a simple offer, but it made such a difference to my experience. Not only did it mean I could avoid the Monday morning rush hour on my first day, it sent all sorts of signals that I was going to be okay in this new job.

My line manager instantly gave me the impression of being relaxed and supportive. It calmed my nervous system and gave me a sense of safety and wellbeing.

Peace

The night before my first day, I felt calm.

I wasn’t worried about messing up the commute or being late. I had the peace of mind that I could take my time, double-check my kit and outfit, enjoy a more mindful, exploratory commute and learn how to make my journey, whilst also turning up focussed yet at-ease, and ready for the new role.

I slept soundly

I enjoyed a full eight hours the night before. I can’t tell you how crucial this is before what can be a sensory overload of starting a new job.

For the cost of 1.5 hours work time, I was able to turn up rested and ready for all the extensive learning, introductions and orientation that comes with a new workplace.

And it signalled that I had a sympathetic manager, who would listen and support me with things like anxiety and stress. This allowed me to conserve energy that might otherwise have gone into unnecessary nervous-system management, and helped me get up-to-speed and productive for my new organisation more rapidly.

It’s such a quick win.

If you’re hiring new colleagues, why not try it out?

And if you’ve had similar experiences or have other tips and suggestions, please share them in the comments below!